Refrigerator & Freezer

Clean the dirty coils on the back or bottom front of your refrigerator to improve efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions.

Get rid of any older refrigerators or a second refrigerator. It costs you up to $120 a year to operate.

If you are thinking about buying a new refrigerator, check the annual energy cost on the Energy Guide Label. Side-by-side refrigerators use approximately 7-13% more energy than similarly sized models with the freezer on top.

Leave enough space between the refrigerator and the walls. Trapped heat increases energy consumption because the air cannot circulate.

Purchase an ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator and apply for a rebate from Anaheim Public Utilities.

Refrigerators at least 10 years old use much more electricity than newer models do. Though a new model will cost you money up front, it will save a great deal of money in the long run because of its increased efficiency.

Refrigerators operate most efficiently when they are full, but not overloaded. Over-packing the freezer can prevent cold air from circulating properly.

Use the power saver switch found on many 5- to 10-year-old refrigerators, unless the humidity is high.

When going on a vacation of 3 days or more, set temperatures higher if control is possible.